This book is part social history, part biography, a good deal of gossipy hear-say with a bit of Washington politics. It tells that Georgetown, one of the oldest and more historic DC neighborhoods, has gone from a racially diverse, mixed income area near the Potomac River to ultra-pricey real estate. During the Kennedy administration, when Jack and Jackie lived on R street it was the chicest place in town. Mr. Heymann writes of how the rich and connected have moved to McLean. Georgetown isn't the ne plus ultra anymore, but that doesn't mean parking is any more available!

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Fun book about prominent women in Washington.

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I read this book for my book club. I don't think I would have selected it on my own, but that's why I joined the book club! I really didn't remember most of the characters it mentioned so there was no ring of familiarity about it. I think I would have liked it better if I had read it 20 or 30 years ago. It was interesting to read about all the politicking that was done at parties and in social settings. There were a few interesting tidbits about some people but I got a little lost trying to remember who was whom.

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If you like to read about the lives of the rich and famous in 1950s-1980s Washington DC, you will really enjoy this book. It doesn't read like history but you will get the sense of these people -- warts and all. Katherine Graham, publisher of the Washington Post, gets most of the coverage but many others are discussed as well. It's a wonderful way to get your history!

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If you've ever lived in Washington D.C. and felt the political intrigue, then this book is for you. I found it fascinating....the women behind the power in Georgetown. Lots of gossip.

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